"When people come in for counseling, we ask them to fill out a form listing their issues. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the first problem they list is communication," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Danny Holcomb, who works out of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Family Counseling Center.

Holcomb recently teamed up with Jane Mouatassim, a longtime facilitator with JBLM's  Family Advocacy Program, or FAP, to teach a new class that's aimed at helping married couples improve their communication skills. The course is open to military ID cardholders with base access and is provided at no charge.

"The biggest problem couples have is being able to talk," said Mouatassim, who is working on her master's degree in counseling. "It is at the root of most other problems. So we slow things down and show them how."

The classes, which are taught in six consecutive weekly sessions, focus on topics such as problem solving and conflict resolution. The instructors pride themselves in establishing a give and take environment that allows everyone to participate.

"We tailor the class to the needs of the couples in attendance. Sometimes an older couple can really give a younger pair insight," Mouatassim explained. "It is for everyone in any stage of their life and marriage."

"There is no instruction manual for marriage," said Holcomb, who has been a chaplain for 22 years. "But this class is like ongoing training."

Classes are held on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel on JBLM Main. FAP provides attendees with free child care coupons for CYS care; children must be pre-registered with CYS to be eligible. The next session starts on March 2, and though reservations are appreciated, walk-ins are welcome. For additional dates and information, contact FAP at (253) 967-5901.

To weigh in on future FAP offerings, visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/Q9JXKWJ.